More struggles for Penn State's offense, special teams in loss to Michigan State

STATE COLLEGE — Michigan State scored two touchdowns within three minutes of the third quarter, capitalizing on a costly turnover, to corral upset-minded Penn State 34-10 at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.

On an emotional Senior Day, in which Penn State welcomed back injured safety Ryan Keiser, the Spartans seized the game's momentum by returning the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. After that, Penn State began three first-half drives in Michigan State territory but produced just three points.

The final blow came in the third quarter, when Michigan State's Marcus Rush sacked quarterback Christian Hackenberg, forcing a fumble that the Spartans recovered at the Penn State 18-yard line. Connor Cook, the Michigan State quarterback who struggled in the first half, threw a third-down touchdown pass to Jeremy Langford, giving the Spartans a 27-10 lead.

Penn State (6-6, 2-6 Big Ten) now awaits its bowl destination, which is scheduled to be announced Dec. 7. The Lions' most likely destination is Yankee Stadium for the Dec. 27 Pinstripe Bowl.

"Obviously, it didn't turn out the way we wanted it to turn out," Penn State coach James Franklin said. "We'll start off by giving Michigan State credit. That's a very good football program. They've done a nice job. Got to give them credit.

"I think the game really just comes down to we had an opportunity to make some plays. We weren't able to do that and had some critical mistakes."

Before the game, Penn State recognized 17 departing seniors, the highlight being Keiser's return to Beaver Stadium. The safety was hospitalized for more than three weeks recovering from complications of a rib fracture he suffered in practice Oct. 24.

Michigan State quickly negated that good will, however, when R.J. Shelton broke the only tackle he faced (from kicker Sam Ficken) for a 90-yard touchdown on the opening kickoff. It was the first opening-kickoff touchdown Penn State has allowed since 2007.

"The kickoff return to start the game made things real challenging, especially [against] that type of team and that type of offense," Franklin said. "[Kicker Sam Ficken] for whatever reason hit the middle of the ball, squibbed it down there and we got no hang-time and were not in a position to cover."

Michigan State took control of the game in the third quarter, scoring 14 points in 2:54. The Spartans grabbed a 20-3 lead when quarterback Connor Cook completed consecutive passes of 25 and 31 yards, leading to a Jeremy Langford 3-yard touchdown run.

On Penn State's next series, the Spartans sacked Hackenberg and forced a fumble, which they recovered at the 18-yard line. Cook made a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Lippett on third down, giving the Spartans a 27-3 lead.

Prior to that, Penn State turned the second quarter into a case study in missed opportunities. The Lions began three consecutive series in Michigan State territory, including one at the 36 following an interception by tackle Anthony Zettel.

However, Penn State converted those drives into just three points, throwing an interception in the end zone to cap the first half. Freshman receiver Chris Godwin could not stretch past Michigan State's Trae Waynes, who alertly picked off a tipped ball. Franklin watch the replay in exasperation on the stadium scoreboard.

"I thought [Hackenberg] made a nice throw," Franklin said. "I thought Godwin made a nice adjustment on the ball and had a chance to make a big play, a momentum-swinging play. It did not work out that way."

Prior to that, Penn State's defense gave the offense fine field position, forcing Michigan State to punt from its end zone on consecutive possessions. The Lions punted after losing 5 yards on their first try. Ficken converted a 41-yard field goal on the second, cutting Michigan State's lead to 13-3.

In the first quarter, Ficken missed a 51-yard attempt, his first miss of the season that wasn't blocked. Ficken's kick came out low and bounced before reaching the end zone.

Penn State scored its first touchdown late in the third quarter on a 3-yard run by Akeel Lynch. On the series, Hackenberg completed passes to four different receivers, including a 12-yarder to Eugene Lewis on third down. Hackenberg was hit hard on the play.

"We've been on sanctions for three years," Franklin said. "That team is Michigan State, a team that has been recruiting and building their program for a long time and done a nice job with it. It's one of the better programs. They have more scholarships than we do.

"We're going to have an opportunity to get that back and work with those things. That's what we're going to do. We're going to close the gap by developing the players that we have. We have great players and good kids here. We're going to recruit for the future. It is what it is. There's nobody more passionate about getting those things fixed as quickly as we possibly can, but there's a difference right now."